SO…I’m in India

April 21, 2015

Yep. I’m in India. Last Thursday Archie the cat left with his uncle Gizmo and my mom and dad for Missouri, and soon after John and I headed to O’Hare International to catch a flight to Delhi, India via Newark, NJ.

Why India? (Why not!) Actually I’m here on a work assignment for four months. (I’m a Communications Manager for Aon. Not sure if I’ve ever mentioned that.) That said, my company flew us business class which turns out to be first class on United for these SUPER long flights (14.5 hours from NJ). I am now officially spoiled and am not certain that economy class will ever suffice again. Note: “No cow” is not recognized by the airline as an option for a dietary request–you have to go with vegetarian–BUT (mental head slap – duh!) flying to India…defaults to a no beef menu.

Uncle Gizmo

Archie chilling in Missouri

I have so much to say it’s almost stifling. Fortunately the heat has not been as so far I’ve spent the majority of my time in a hotel, air-conditioned car or the office. (The 10 day forecast starting today reads: 102, 103, 104, 105, 104, 103, 104, 106, 104 and topping off at 107!) That will become very real when John and I explore around Bharatpur, Ranthambore and Jaipur for the next five days.

Ok…so backing up. The flight was easy. I had some concerns that I would be extremely anxious to be in the air for that long but the combination of excellent service, meals, drinks, movies, a little reading and sleeping made the time pass remarkably quickly.

Arrival at the airport and transport to the Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square went smoothly. Passports and visas checked, customs, baggage claim, currency exchange…a random dog lying on the sidewalk on the way to the taxi…and then our India experience REALLY began!